Workflow planning

[mmunson1938]

I am a newbie to Fusion but not to CAD in general. I am used to planning a Project in the way I have written reports in that ( in a text document) I create a list of all chapter titles first and subsequently fill the sections, in whatever order is convenient. I am planning to design and make a model of a Cornish Beam Engine. This will involve many items; cylinder, valves, pumps etc. I look at the Browser and wonder if it would be good practice to create all items (components, bodies?) there in advance of designing any specific items. This would suit the way my mind works but could it lead to problems with the Timeline or with constraints when assembling the final computer model?

Mike M1938

[TrippyLighting · Accepted solution]

That sounds like an OK workflow.

I would recommend that, once you fill the components with objects (browser) and features(timeline) use the assembly joints to assemble components properly as you go. 

If you need to add another component to the hierarchy later on, it might be a good idea to roll the timeline back to the initial point of creating the component hierarchy.

Remember to activate components before making edits. For simple edits, that might not always be necessary, but definitely before adding new objects (sketches, construction geometry, joint origins, etc ).

Also, after rolling back the timeline and making edits, use Modify-> Compute all. Sometimes after editing a sketch the timeline is not recomputed entirely and that later can lead to problems (yellow and red highlighted icons in the timeline along with warnings). If Compute->all does not return problems, you're good to go.

If you do see warnings in the timeline, use the undo functionality, find the root cause and fix it before proceeding.

Happy modeling. Sounds like a fun project!

[bwalker145]

mmunson,

This is my preferred workflow for more complex assemblies as well, and I've never had any issues with modifying joints/parameters/etc. down the line. As Trippy mentioned, just make sure you're activating the correct components as you work on them.

[mmunson1938]

Many thanks for that. theres a lot thats not obvious in manuals. You have saved me from making some serious errors!!